Canela

One of the best bases for ecotourism in the Serra Gaúcha area, the old town of Canela charms visitors with quaint architecture and a laid-back atmosphere. Dominated by one of Brazil's most striking cathedrals, the town of around 40,000 people offers the chance to relax in pleasant cafes or browse through shops full of locally made wares. Make the most of your vacation in Canela by exploring the town's mountainous surroundings, which offer excellent horseback riding, hiking, and rafting amid captivating scenery. Add Canela and other destinations in Brazil to your travel itinerary using our Brazil trip generator.

Where to stay

Thanks to its popularity among younger tourists looking for an outdoor adventure, Canela offers a particularly impressive range of budget lodgings. Hostels and simple guesthouses abound, most in buildings that fit with the town's traditional architecture. You won't find any large hotels or expansive resorts in Canela, though higher-end accommodations exist in the form of warm, cosy villas with pleasant gardens. Most places to stay are concentrated around the west of town in or around the neighborhood of Vila Suzana, which lies on the road to nearby Gramado.